Freezing Peas
Step-by-step guide on how to flash freeze peas at home.
Equipment
- Freezer
Ingredients
- Peas
Instructions
- Harvest or Purchase Fresh Peas:Choose fresh and high-quality peas. Harvest from your garden or select peas from a reliable source.
- Shell and Clean:Shell the peas, removing them from the pods. Rinse the peas under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Blanching:Quickly blanch the peas by immersing them in boiling water for a short duration, typically 1-2 minutes. This helps halt enzymatic activity and ensures optimal preservation.
- Cool Rapidly:Transfer the blanched peas to an ice bath immediately after blanching. This rapid cooling process helps maintain the quality of the peas.
- Drain Excess Water:Once cooled, drain the excess water from the peas thoroughly.
- Spread on a Tray:Spread the peas in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray. Ensure they are not touching each other to facilitate quick freezing.
- Flash Freeze:Place the tray in the freezer. Flash-freeze the peas for a few hours or until they are individually frozen.
- Transfer to Storage Bags:Once the peas are individually frozen, transfer them to airtight freezer bags or containers. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.You can also vacuum seal them into specific portion sizes for easy use.